“But all Confessions are not to be esteemed a discovery of the Truth, if there are
no other corroborating Circumstances. For sometimes Fear or a weariness of Life, or
some other Reason hath induced Men to make Confessions of those Things which they
were never guilty of. . . . But when the Confession is regular, and admitted by the
other Party, he ought to admit the whole as it is qualified, and when it is extended
to other matters which are done at the same time; unless there is a presumption against
that part. As when one confesses that he kill'd Titius in his own defense; the killing shall stand by it self as confessed, and the qualification must be proved, because the Law presumes design, and throws the proof upon the Criminal.”